Shani Kanika-Oni Hilliard, age 50, passed away on June 30, 2025, in Plano, Texas. She was born on March 1, 1975, in Denver, Colorado to Gerald Hilliard and Sharon Simmons.
Shani naturally connected all who knew her with the intent to build amongst her loved ones. She was a true hub to the community wheel and the epitome of what many call a “people person.”
She is survived by her son, Travon J. Hilliard-Wilkerson of Irving, Texas; her mother, Sharon Simmons-Heppner Captain of Desoto, Texas; her grandfather, Earl Simmons; her nephew, Christopher Simmons; her cousins; Art Way Jr., Andrea, Hemphill, Nina Marie Robertson, Jason Mathews, Rodney Presley, Orlando Letchaw, Julie Letchaw, Jean Letchaw, Vernice Letchaw-Caldwell, Justin Tatum, and Hanifah Turner; her aunts, Renetta Way, Dorothy Reeves, Denise Tatum, and Katherine Turner; and her uncle, Edward Simmons.
Shani was preceded in death by her father, Gerald Hilliard.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., in One Community Church, 2601 Prairie Drive, Prosper, Texas 75078.